Butragueno: Real Madrid-Manchester United tie is wide open

By Henry Jackson

The 49-year-old former Blancos striker says the Champions League tie is finely balance, and added that Cristiano Ronaldo's headed equaliser was "very beautiful"

Emilio Butragueno has said the Champions League last-16 tie between Real Madrid and Manchester United which finished 1-1 on Wednesday is finely balanced, but admitted he was frustrated at los Blancos' failure to record a victory.

The 49-year-old believes his former side could have led at half-time, following a dominant opening 45 minutes from Jose Mourinho's team.

"The first half wasours andwe concededfrom a set-piece.We had to leavewith an advantageon the scoreboard.Theteam did agreat physical effortin the first half," he told Real Madrid's official website.

The former Madrid and Spain star also praised the performance of Sir Alex Ferguson's side, adding: "Theydefendedwell.

"Manchester Unitedarea good team; they havea competitive spiritand great players."